Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December Racing Point’s Sergio Perez during practice Kamran Jebreili/Pool via REUTERS
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December Racing Point’s Sergio Perez during practice Kamran Jebreili/Pool via REUTERS
Aston Martin are returning to Formula 1 after 61 years and will have their car launch today. As a team entering the grid this season, one of the key decisions that the team had to make was to decide on a power unit to go with.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Even though Aston Martin is a manufacturing company, there are only four power unit manufacturers available on the grid currently: Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Racing Point’s Lance Stroll and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Tolga Bozoglu
Otmar Szafnauer landed a great deal with Mercedes as Force India’s team boss in 2014. When the team rebranded to Racing Point, the contract with Mercedes for their power unit continued. Similarly, the long-standing relationship will continue with Aston Martin too.
ALSO READ – Which Teams Use Ferrari Engines in F1?
How is the current Mercedes – Aston Martin relationship?
Mercedes Benz struck a deal with Aston Martin last year, under which the former increased their shareholding up to 20% in the British luxury team over the next three years. According to a report, Mercedes will become the second-largest shareholder after Lawrence Stroll.
Mercedes F1’s team principal, Toto Wolff, also has a private share in Aston Martin. In an interview, Wolff clarified that Mercedes’ stake in Aston Martin is not anticipated to have any implications at the moment.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain. Racing Point’s Sergio Perez in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
“The shareholding in Daimler is something that was decided purely based on the merit of the auto companies and not the racing side. From my standpoint, nothing changes,” he stated. However, there is a significant advantage at Aston Martin’s disposal.
“The deal between the two manufacturers does place an emphasis on technology transfer, giving Aston Martin access to Mercedes’ powertrain architecture – including hybrid and electric technology – through to 2027 for any future product launches,” stated the report.
The Mercedes power unit and Aston Martin’s financial resources could make the team competitive this season. The team is launching their 2021 challenger live at 3 PM GMT.
Do you think the team’s relationship with Brackley Squad will help them climb the Championship table?